Author Note: Very sorry about the delay guys. I've been very busy with graduation but I'm back now. I'm going to try updating every other day again. As always, thank you for your reviews, faves and follows! I appreciate them all :) - strike
He gives a defeated smirk, pulling away from me reluctantly as he moves to the intercom.
"Damn, they're fast. What was that, five minutes or it's free?" He muses, checking the monitor. "Not our day, is it?"
Well, I can't help it if your timing is off.
"I'll be right back. Security doesn't let anyone up." He opens the door and steps out. "Stay put."
"Where do you expect me to go?" I roll my eyes lightheartedly.
"Nowhere, smart aleck." He uses his no-nonsense tone, but I see the smile tugging at his lips just before he closes the door. I stare at the spot for a moment, then glance aimlessly around the kitchen before wandering into the living room.
Now that I think about, University was probably the last time I was ever at a guy's place. I remember having one or two hook-ups in first and second year… nothing I'm proud of, nothing long lasting.
Things changed when mom got sick, though. I stuck to the books and tried to make her proud in her last few years.
"Follow your head, Elise. Your heart will misguide you." They were her favourite words of wisdom. And she knew first hand, didn't she? My father left us, after all. Never looked back. I know she beat herself up over her decision to marry him. She was young and she was in love.
That's why she always warned me.
What would you think of me now, mom?
I let my gaze drift around the room. There's a large TV mounted above an electronic fireplace, and for the first time tonight, the mantle catches my eye.
No family pictures, no nick-knacks or souvenirs. Nothing really, except the store-bought decorative mantelpiece and a thin layer of dust. Something feels off. Normal people have personal possessions, right?
I walk back into the kitchen just as the door opens and Rumlow enters, carrying a box of pizza and a plastic bag full of cans of pop.
He closes and locks the door behind him.
"Next time, you should let me cook. I feel indebted." I smile as he crosses the kitchen floor, setting the box down on the kitchen island.
"There's gonna be a next time?" He casts me a sly smirk, one eyebrow raised questioningly, "I'd say that's enough to repay me."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes at his smooth-talking and pull up a stool across from him.
"What do you want from this?"
"The pizza?" he looks at me blankly.
"No, this… relationship." I reply. The word relationship feels awkward and uncomfortable on my tongue. Like saying it out loud makes it more… real.
"I think I want what we both want. A little intelligent companionship and some physical comfort." He watches me carefully, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Fair enough." I concede, falling for that contagious smile.
While we eat, he asks me about the research I've done so far. Seems harmless enough, so I try my best to explain what I've been doing in layman's terms. I don't mention my side-interests, of course. I've already been warned against looking into things I shouldn't be looking into, and I'm not about to be cautioned again.
"You're really passionate about this work on the subject, huh?" He comments, taking a sip of his drink.
I panic a little, wondering if I've said too much again.
He notices my discomfort and his expression softens.
"It's not a bad thing." He chuckles, "I think Pierce would agree that we need more passionate people fighting for our cause."
"What cause is that?" I watch as he crushes the empty can in his hand, his gaze never leaving my face.
"Order. Making the world a better place."
I look at him curiously, wondering if he plans to continue. He doesn't, and we just stare at each other in silence for a moment.
There's a vibrating sound, and I pat my pockets before I realize it's Rumlow's phone, not mine.
He checks the screen and excuses himself, stepping out of the apartment to take the call.
I really wish he'd elaborated on what the cause was. Seems reasonable enough when he says it'll make the world a better place, but I don't know how an assassin fits into that. When I joined this team, Pierce made it sound like I'd be part of the team. I feel more like a minion, blind to the nature of the project.
I fold the empty pizza box into its smallest possible form and shove it into the recycling box, tossing my empty can in as well.
The door opens and closes again, then there's soft click of the lock turning.
I check my watch. It's 8PM.
His footsteps are light on the hardwood floor.
"Sorry about that."
"It's okay." I reply, turning to face him.
He raises a hand and removes the butterfly clip from hair, undoing the messy bun at the back of my head as I watch him silently, knowing very well where this is headed.
"You were going to tell me about your cause." I smile, trying to delay the inevitable for just a few minutes longer. Just long enough to get some answers.
"Let's save that for another night. I have a different cause right now." Those brown eyes hold my gaze intently.
"And what's that?" I tease, raising a hand to caress his cheek.
"To have a little fun." He removes my hand and intertwines his fingers with mine.
"No interruptions?" I raise an amused eyebrow.
"No interruptions."